“You wanted to see me?” Eishen asked, standing at my door, their hands politely held behind their back. They had the tiniest look of concern on their face, their shoulders were the slightest bit too high. 

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Do you think I’m about to scold you for how drunk you got?” 

“No, but I cannot remember the last time you asked me to your room rather than just finding me somewhere to talk, so naturally, I’m a little worried about what this may be about.” 

I spun around in my seat - whoever invented chairs that could spin deserved the best and only the best. “How much do you remember from last night?” 

“Not much, I’m afraid,” Eishen admitted with a chuckle, before sitting at the end of my bed. “I remember the lights, but next thing I knew, I was waking up this morning with an entirely regrettable headache. But if this is about the… there was a word my mother used… facility?-”

“The factory.” 

Eishen sighed, their golden eyes holding mine for just a moment longer than they usually did. “What did you do?” 

I had to give it to them, they knew me well. 

“Nothing too drastic, I promise. I simply went to pay it a visit this morning-” 

“Theo-” 

“What? I just wanted to see it up close. It’s incredible, Eishen, like something from your books. A whole building made of metal and glass that catches the morning sun and scatters it though the streets and on the canals. Sounds come from it as if something is constantly moving inside, but it’s loud like you wouldn’t imagine. It’s where the lights come from, I am sure of it, and I think you would love to see it.” 

It was almost too easy to pull Eishen’s interest in something - anything with a fantastical twist made their eyes shine and the most cautious smile grace their lips. 

I also knew they did not want to admit their interest. They looked around my room; far more simple than theirs; looking for something to latch onto while they searched for their words. “Mother has been spending the day trying to keep the Shadehands and the Covened calm…” 

“And don’t you agree that you could help with that if you bring her a report with more information? You know this; information, truth… it keeps people calm. It’s the unknown that brings out the worst part of our fears.” 

“... I hate it when you’re right.” 

“Why thank you.” 

Eishen rolled their eyes. “What’s your plan?”

This is where I was less certain about their interest in my plan. I opened the drawer at my desk and pulled out two masks - both were made of paper strengthened with glue, and had hand-painted details. Dark swirls on an even darker background, with golden edges, to be attached to the face with a ribbon. 

“Masks? It’s not quite time for the summer festival.” 

“Everyone knows you, Eishen Kerr. You’re basically city royalty.” 

“Only to the Shadehands.” 

I raised my eyebrow, trying to make it clear to them that the Shadehands were somehow connected.

“Wh… no way.” 

“Indeed. They have this front office where I found the Opus.” 

“So, let me make sure I understand what you are telling me. You want us to go to this facility-” 

“-factory.” 

“Factory, masked, because it’s not just about the lights. You think there is a link to us?” 

“Maybe the Covened, too.” 

“And you want us to sneak in?” 

“Ideally, yes.” 

Eishen sighed. “I’m not sure…” 

“Come on, Eish, aren’t you the smallest bit curious?”


“Oh I’m very curious-” 

“And don’t you want a roguish adventure?” I knew I had their attention, then. 

“... that’s not fair.” 

I chuckled in glee. “Come on, say yes. What’s the worst that could happen?” 

“A lot, Theo. A lot is the worst that could happen.” 

“And that’s what makes it so fun.” 

“Theo…”


“You could write about it afterwards, or paint it on your ceiling. Imagine, our silhouettes running on the rooftops of Leylen.” 

“You want us to run on the rooftops!?” 

“Just say yes, Eish, I know you’re dying to.” 

Eishen stayed quiet for a moment, two. “Our mothers are going to have a fit.” 

“And we’ll laugh about it afterwards.” 

They stood up and paced around my room before heading out of the door. “Meet me here at eleven tonight!” I called out to them, my voice echoing down the hall.

“I’ll think about it!”

It was 10.59 when they knocked at my door.